RB rotation keeping 'em fresh

Mike ScanduraCorrespondent

"All" Jonathan Grimes did as a freshman was win the CAA's offensive rookie of the year award and rank 12th nationally with 162 all-purpose yards per game.

A case could be made that Grimes entered this season with the proverbial target on his back. But through the Tribe's first six games — including Saturday's 34-14 victory at Northeastern — Grimes is proving to be one elusive target to nail down.

Grimes slashed the Huskies for 91 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries.

It marked the third straight game he's rushed for more than 90 yards and raised his season touchdown total to nine.

"It's just another chance to compete," a modest Grimes said. "It's just another year. I've got three more years, and I'm just taking one year at a time and just counting on the team to come together and pick everybody up."

Grimes also benefits from the fact that coach Jimmye Laycock rotates Courtland Marriner and Terrence Riggins, which enables the Tribe to keep fresh legs on the field — especially in the second half.

"We have a very experienced set of backs," Grimes said. "We've been playing for a long time. To have us on the field, the more the better.

"We can all contribute something different. It's just a nice gel every day."

The trio certainly gelled against Northeastern as it combined for 171 yards and three touchdowns.